The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine Conversion

Ok, the old '61 4x4 chassis and drivetrain is almost ready for sand blasting and reassembly. The 350 that is in there right now is junk, and I'm weighing my options for replacements. Another small block would be fine, but dad says a big block is fine if I can make it work. I have the v-8 frame brackets, sm420 4 speed tranny, and the suspension is all leafs on a short wheel-base. My questions are these:
1. Will the stock v-8 frame brackets work for a bb?
2. Will the original bell housing for the sb-to-4spd work for the bb?
3. Will the stock suspension be able to handle the additional weight of the bb?

I know that all of you guys have a ton of knowledge concerning these old trucks and have seen everything under the sun. I'm just 17, and any help or advice you guys have would be great.

Thanks,
Matt

If you are looking for votes...I say go for another SBC. Make it a 327.....Why? Because it would be easy. You eliminate all 3 questions you asked....just build it up, finish your frame and drop it in. 327 or 350 will make plenty of power for your short wb...and I like 327 SBC engines....or be unique and buy yourself a 302 SBC...

The cool Chevy motor in 1961 was the 348. You might look for one of those or maybe the 409 which didn't arrive until 1962 but looks the same.

I'm a fan of big blocks and own a couple of 454s. None of the questions you ask represent difficult issues to solve.

Bellhousing should not be a problem. Weight is more, but only a couple hundred pounds, so its not a killer issue in a truck.

I don't think the motor mounts are a problem.

The issue I would be concerned about is that SM420. They are pretty tough, but were not designed for the 500 ft lbs of torque a mild big block can put out.

Ok, I'm glad those questions had good answers . Next, will the big block add additional length to the front of the drivetrain, causing the short driveshaft to be too long?